Brighton Legislators React to bin Laden's Death

Brighton's own U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, who serves as chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, plays a key role in the fight against terror.

This morning, Rogers (R-8th District) issued a statement , mastermind of the 9/11 attacks.

"This is a day we have all been waiting for, for far too long. The brave men and women of our military and intelligence agencies have shown the world once again the reach and determination of American power," Rogers said. "We have brought to justice a terrorist with the blood of thousands of Americans on his hands, and brought justice to the families of his victims."

Mike Rogers' brother, Bill, who serves in the Michigan House of Representatives, echoed enthusiasm over bin Laden's demise.

"Hallelujah," said Bill Rogers (R-66th District). "It's about time." 

Bill Rogers said he texted his brother in Washington, D.C. upon hearing the news.

"I said this is a great day for America," Bill Rogers said. "I also pleaded with him not to let Pakistan off the hook. I can’t believe this was going on right before their noses and they didn't know about it."

Both Mike and Bill Rogers got into politics by following in the footsteps of their father, John Rogers, a former principal and coach for who has served as Supervisor and currently as a township trustee.

Mike Rogers worked as a special agent for the FBI before winning a seat in the Michigan Senate (1995-2000). As a U.S. Congressman, Mike Rogers was appointed chairman of the Intelligence Committee because of his experience and personal interest in national security. The panel oversees the intelligence community, including operations and budgetary oversight.

Mike Rogers was a member of the first official Congressional delegation to Iraq following major combat operations. He has made more than a dozen trips to the Middle East, dating back to just weeks before 9/11, where he has met with U.S. troops and world leaders, and taken part in fact-finding missions.

His expertise was sought during development of the USA PATRIOT Act, which gives law enforcement the tools necessary for tracking terrorists with today’s technology. According to Mike Rogers, the fight against terrorism will continue despite bin Laden's death.

"This closes a key chapter in the war on terror – it’s hard to imagine an end to al-Qaida without the death of bin Laden," Mike Rogers said in his statement. "While we can all certainly celebrate this important victory, the fight will go on. We will not stop until al-Qaida has been eliminated."